Southport’s British Armed Forces Day set to take place on June 29 in Princes Park

THE clock is now counting down to Southport’s British Armed Forces Day.

This year’s event, which will raise money for the Veteran’s Fund, will take place in Princes Park. A Super- marine Spitfire will roar over the crowds on Saturday, June 29.

Sunday’s Armed Forces Day parade will be led down Chapel Street by the Duke of Lancaster's band. Dame Lorna Muirhead, the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, will attend the event.

Steve Hawkshaw said: "I feel very proud of our armed forces and proud too to be able to support them in any way, big or small."

Steven Howard, who fought in Afghanistan with the Royal Marines, is supporting the event.

Steve said: “As a veteran I feel strongly about supporting our troops both at home and away on operations.

“The job they do is fantastic and Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for the public to get behind the troops boost morale.

“I attend the Princess Park event each year and take my young son Bobby. He idolises the soldiers and always asks his daddy ‘you used to be one of them didn't you daddy’. Last year he had fun on the paint ball range and put his old man to shame.

“My business Go Commando is supporting the day by selling the help for heroes wrist bands and have ordered 200.

“The servicemen and women do not see themselves as heroes but it really does give you a great sense of pride when the public stand up and get behind them.”

Armed Forces Day takes place on June 29 and 30. Call Steve Hawkshaw on 0791 491 8381.

The Veteran's Fund raises funds for retired army professionals, most recently the Women's Royal British Legion.